What Is Chin Surgery? Does It Involve Chin Implants?
Chin surgery (genioplasty or mentoplasty) involves altering the size and shape of the chin, either by reducing, reshaping, or augmenting the chin. Although chin implants are a popular option and occasionally recommended, we believe that placing a “foreign” body (an implant) into your own body is counterintuitive and may become problematic. Implants may cause complications because they are seen as a “foreign” object by your immune system. In fact, one of the most common types of chin surgery we do is chin revision surgery – wherein a chin implant has not been successful and the procedure needs revising.
A far better option is to re-shape the underlying skeleton or foundation of the chin by altering or moving the chin bone: the chin may be moved forward, down, centered, widened, or narrowed depending on the specific issue. In such cases, no silicone or other types of artificial implants are necessary.
Is There Visible Scarring with Chin Surgery?
Most genioplasty procedures are performed through incisions completely inside the mouth so there are no external or visible evidence that an operation was performed.
Use of Surgical 3d Imaging and Virtual Surgery.
Computer software 3D imaging and sometimes virtual surgery will be used prior to your operation to ensure a successful result. Virtual surgery is a process which digitally designs your surgery and then allows us to generate a ‘jig’ to be able to precisely position the chin.